Find out how to differentiate between metallic and aluminium carpentry

A number of our clients regularly have serious doubts concerning the differences between metallic and aluminium carpentry. This doubt is mainly based on the fact that aluminium can be used in metallic carpentry, which suggests that it is the same in both cases. Many of the latter’s properties are very similar to metallic properties, so buyers can easily be confused when asking or ordering.

Metallic carpentry

Metalworking is one of the oldest activities to exist in human industry, so in every culture and region there are different ways and tools to work this type of material.

One of the main types of metallic carpentry manufacture in the early days, after it replaced wood, was in doors and windows. The term ‘metallic carpentry’ in itself is very recent and is usually applied to companies who engage in the manufacture and marketing of aluminium products and metals such as iron, copper, brass, bronze and glass.

One of the main advantages of this type of carpentry is its durability, its low maintenance cost and the types of materials that it can work with.

The main sectors to benefit from metallic carpentry are: the construction sector, home and interior design industry, among others. The following can be considered metallic carpentry work: the construction of doors, iron fences, screens with aluminium profiles, enclosures, stairs, railings, aluminium windows, blinds, industrial buildings, special structures for construction, etc.

Aluminium carpentry

Aluminium carpentry offers many advantages, including easy maintenance, its damage is kept to a minimum because it is naturally rusty metal so it will not suffer any further rusting that will reduce its strength in the future. It is a noble, strong and lightweight material. For example, in the case of aluminium windows manufacture, aluminium profiles do not attract dirt, they are a guarantee against humidity, solar radiation and any other weather condition.

In addition to its aforementioned advantages, aluminium is an environmentally friendly material as its manufacture requires low energy costs, it is non-toxic and recyclable. As for its usability, it is a metal that is able to adapt quickly and easily to any type of project.

Aluminium is usually incorporated into construction known as ‘aluminium carpentry’. It is ideal for making high precision joints for enclosures, windows, floating facades, roof structures etc. To work in aluminium carpentry, the handling of tools and highly precise equipment is required.

Aluminium carpentry is closely linked to glass because of their equivalence of precision and the possibilities they offer. However, in spite of being a very resistant metal, it is not recommended for building structures, due to its high cost and its low temperature foundation characteristic.